PARIS (Diya TV) —
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has shockingly been disqualified from the 50-kilogram wrestling final after failing to make weight on Wednesday. This disqualification has led to significant adjustments in the competition schedule and medal matchups.
Phogat had a remarkable start to her Olympic journey, defeating four-time world and defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in her opening match on Tuesday. She continued her winning streak by overcoming Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals with a score of 7-5 and defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinals, thus becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final.
However, her hopes were dashed when she was found to be a few grams over the 50kg weight limit during the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning. Despite the efforts of the Indian team to manage her weight overnight, Phogat’s disqualification was confirmed, as announced by Team India on social media.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning,” read the official statement.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his solidarity with Phogat, describing her as “a champion among champions” and an inspiration to all Indians. “Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” Modi wrote on social media.
Phogat’s disqualification has caused a reshuffling of the medal matches. Guzman Lopez, whom Phogat defeated in the semifinals, will now compete in the gold medal match against American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt.
The bronze medal matches have also been affected. Susaki will now compete directly for a bronze medal against Livach. The other bronze medal match remains unchanged, with China’s Feng Ziqi facing Dolgorjav.
